Hundreds of households eligible for free trees
Published: 13 July 2023
A number of different tree species will be available to households.
Hundreds of Derby households will be able to have their choice of new tree, as a new planting scheme begins.
This new initiative, part of the Our City, Our River project (OCOR), will give hundreds of households the chance to choose their preferred tree from a diverse range of over 10 species, including a number of fruit trees.
The scheme is taking a comprehensive approach to urban greening, extending beyond individual households. Over 1,000 new trees will be planted in areas along the River Derwent, city green spaces, and various other city locations. In addition, approximately 500 further trees will be planted to replace those that have been removed for the construction of OCOR flood defences.
Enhancing your garden with trees can usher in a whole host of benefits, from attracting a variety of wildlife to improving the quality of the soil they’re planted in.
Trees also provide some much-needed protection from the elements, shielding against wind and rain and offering a cooling effect during warmer months.
Households within the benefit area for the OCOR project will be eligible to receive a tree. This includes those in Chester Green, Darley Abbey, Alvaston Village and more. A map of the approximate boundary is available online. Anyone unsure if they’re eligible can email treesforderby@gmail.com.
This tree replacement initiative is just one aspect of the broader efforts to boost biodiversity along the riverside. Various other environmental enrichments are being implemented, including new habitats for birds, bats and otters, and a new fish refuge lagoon constructed near the Mill Fleam pumping station.
Cllr Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, emphasized the long-term benefits of the plan:
I‘m excited to see this scheme starting, and would encourage all eligible residents to seize this unique opportunity and inspire their neighbours to do the same.
While the removal of any trees is a tough decision, the city ultimately stands to gain from an enhanced flood defence network and the introduction of higher-quality, more suitable trees. We recognize the vital role trees play in our urban environment, and that's why we're passionate about this target.
Through the OCOR scheme, over 2,000 properties now benefit from improved protection against the impacts of climate change. This proactive strategy is a testament to this administration’s commitment to a resilient future, equipped to provide new home and job opportunities.